A store manager was optimistic that Henry’s Marketplace, 1260 Garnet Ave., would be open for business in less than 10 days following a fire Wednesday, March 29, but after a survey of the damage, its now estimated that it will be four to six weeks before the popular grocery store can reopen.
Store managers have been working with cleanup crews filling Dumpsters with burned and damaged debris to clear the store and account for the damages.
“Our number one priority is the safety of our employees and our customers, so, making sure that all of the issues with the smoke are cleaned up as well as the ash and things like that,” said Leigh Needham, spokesperson for Henry’s Marketplace.
During the store’s closure, Henry’s administration has been able to find work for its employees at many of the 13 other store locations throughout San Diego. A handful of employees are helping with organizing the cleanup.
Over the next few weeks, workers will be replacing shelves and other store equipment as well as restocking the entire store.
Though most of the damage was limited to the store’s Natural Living department, a flower shop and clothing store connected to the building were also affected.
Impulsive Flowers, located on the south side of the building, was closed for three days to clean up broken glass and ash and to restock the store.
“It’s just a pain. It’s stuff we have to deal with. It’s nothing you can change, so we just deal with it and go on,” said Kim Kittinger, owner of Impulsive Flowers.
The American Apparel clothing store on the east side of the building was closed for a few hours on Wednesday. A slight smell of smoke was the only noticeable trace after the fire.
According to Needham, a cleaning crew discovered the fire at approximately 3 a.m. and called the fire department, which responded and doused the blaze within five minutes.
The fire department’s quick response saved some of the store’s merchandise from damage and was salvaged and then transported to other Henry’s stores, but a large portion of the store’s stock had to be disposed.
Needham said the fire department believes the fire was caused by an electrical malfunction, but the investigation is ongoing as to the official cause.
“Hopefully as we discover the root of the problems, we’ll make the right decisions going forward,” Needham said.
Henry’s has not released an estimate on the cost of the damage.
Henry’s Marketplace will be posting updates on the progress of the cleanup, and customers can stay informed by visiting the store’s Web site at www.henrysmarkets.com.